How To Make The Coveted Chubby Fish Caviar Sandwiches
Charleston has no shortage of restaurants worth traveling for, but Chubby Fish sits in its own category. It is tiny, lines form before they open, and people wait for hours in the humid South Carolina summer for a seat. When I visited Charleston for the first time this Summer, I never actually got to eat there because standing in 95 degree heat for two hours was not in the cards. So I did what any food-obsessed traveler would do and made my own version of the dish I wanted most: Chubby Fish’s Caviar Sammich.
These sliders are decadent, briny, buttery, and surprisingly simple. Soft mini potato buns are lightly toasted and brushed with melted butter, then spread with a creamy chive crème fraîche, sprinkled with lemon zest and finished with a generous scoop of cold caviar. Two bites and it is pure luxury on a bun.
Why Chubby Fish Is So Popular
Founded in 2018 by Chef James London, Chubby Fish is a love letter to the Lowcountry and to sourcing done right. The restaurant partners with local fishermen and farmers to highlight the absolute best seasonal ingredients the region has to offer. Fresh catches straight from the Atlantic and local rivers take center stage, and the menu changes daily depending on what comes off the boats.
It’s intimate, it’s ingredient-driven, and it refuses to be anything other than excellent, hence the lines, the waitlist, and the cult following.
How To Actually Dine At Chubby Fish (Tips!)
Because Chubby Fish has become one of the toughest seats in Charleston, a little strategy goes a long way:
1. The Waitlist System:
- A line forms around 4:00 PM outside the restaurant.
- At 5:00 PM when the doors open, you can either:
✔️ dine immediately or
✔️ put your name down for a later seating (if there’s space left).
2. Small Space = Small Party Rules
The restaurant only seats about 40 people, and because of that intimacy, they limit groups to under 8. Larger parties can reach out via their website for custom options.
3. Parking Isn’t a Headache, but It Isn’t Onsite
There’s no dedicated parking, but you can use surrounding 2-hour residential streets or park at the King Street garage at the Hyatt Place.
4. Pro Tip: Sip + Wait at Seahorse
In the sweetest twist of fate, the team behind Chubby Fish recently opened Seahorse, a cozy cocktail bar just a few blocks away. If you time things just right, you can put your name down at Chubby Fish and wander over to Seahorse to wait with a beautifully made drink in hand instead of sweating it out curbside. It’s the kind of move that makes you feel like you cracked the Charleston code.
5. Don’t Be Afraid to Reach Out
The staff truly loves connecting with guests, so if you have questions or special considerations, message them directly. Hospitality is very much part of the experience.
Let’s Talk Caviar
If you’ve never bought caviar before, here’s a mini crash course:
White Sturgeon (what Chubby Fish uses)
- Buttery, clean, briny in the best way
- Subtle and elegant, great for pairing with dairy or potatoes
Kaluga Hybrid
- Slightly richer, big pearls, very luxe mouthfeel
Siberian Sturgeon
- More saline, punchier flavor, a bit more affordable
The Health Benefits Of Caviar
Caviar might be viewed as a luxury ingredient, but it’s surprisingly nutrient-dense. Here are some of the most noteworthy benefits:
Rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Caviar is one of the most concentrated food sources of EPA and DHA — the omega-3s linked to cognitive health, heart health, mood support, and reduced inflammation.
High-Quality Protein
It provides complete protein with all essential amino acids, which is especially beneficial for muscle repair and satiety.
Vitamin B12 Powerhouse
Just a small spoonful delivers an impressive amount of vitamin B12, supporting energy production and neurological function.
Contains Vitamin D and Selenium
These nutrients support immunity, hormone balance, metabolism, and cellular protection.
Natural Choline Source
Choline is involved in brain health and neurotransmitter function, and most people don’t get enough of it through diet.
Minerals That Support Skin + Eyes
The combination of omega-3s, vitamin A, and antioxidants is supportive for skin elasticity, moisture, and ocular health.
Favorite Tools & Ingredients
Just Like The Real Thing
Even though I never made it inside Chubby Fish on that Charleston trip, recreating their sliders at home became its own kind of victory. They are buttery, elegant, wildly simple, and always feel like a celebration. I’ll be serving these at home with zero regrets, AC blasting, and a glass of bubbly.
Follow along on Instagram for more recipes and travel-inspired cooking!
Gina
Chubby Fish Caviar Sandwich
Ingredients
- 2 mini potato buns or brioche buns
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter divided
- 3 tbsp crème fraîche
- 2 tsp finely chopped chives plus extra for garnish
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- High-quality caviar preferably white sturgeon, but use the best you can source!
Instructions
- Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat.
- Toast the buns cut-side down until golden and crisp.
- Combine crème fraîche and chives in a small bowl.
- Spoon a generous layer of the crème fraîche mixture onto each top bun.
- Add a large dollop of caviar to each bottom bun — no skimping!
- Sprinkle with lemon zest.
- Place the top bun on gently. Brush the tops lightly with the remaining melted butter and warm in a toaster oven for a couple minutes (optional).
- Serve immediately with a chilled glass of bubbly or something crisp like mineral water with a squeeze of lemon or lime.
